Army’s $464.8M E-HEL Award Advances LOCUST X3 Laser Production
The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a reported $464.8 million OTA in September 2026 to move its Enduring-High Energy Laser program into production, with Leonardo DRS providing integration and power and thermal-management support. The reported plan for 12 systems signals demand for specialized mobile directed-energy components, but no direct Army solicitation or subcontract value has been disclosed.